Certification and Recertification Information

Length of CertificationLongleaf Wilderness Medicine certifications are valid for two years from the date of course completion.

The LWM Wilderness First Responder certification has a one year grace period in which an individual can re-certify with a LWM recertification course. During the one year grace period the certificate is not valid. All LWM certifications are only valid with a current CPR certification.

Recertification with LWMWilderness First AidWFA courses are re-certified by taking another WFA course.

Wilderness First ResponderLWM will re-certify individuals who have completed a LWM WFR course or a course from a provider who teaches a WFR that meets the WFR SOP Guidelines. Please contact LWM if you are unsure if your current certification meets these standards.

Individuals seeking re-certification for their WFR must present proof of current certification or a certification within the previous provider's grace period no later than the first day of the course. A WFR certificate will not be issued to individuals without proof of current certification or who have a certification which has expired.

WFR certificates can be re-certified in one of three ways:

WFR Recert Course - The WFR recert course is three days long. The course focuses on refreshing skills and knowledge through scenarios and case study. The course also includes a CPR certification component.

WFA Course - Individuals are able to recert their WFR through completion of a WFA course. During the course WFR students receive additional course work and are required to complete LWM's WFR written and skill tests to qualify for recertification.

Full WFR Course - This option provides the best refresher as it allows the time to refresh all of the components of the WFR curriculum and receive important updates about changes in treatment guidelines. LWM suggests that individuals take a full course at least every third certification cycle.

If you have questions about the recertification process, please contact us to get the information you need to keep your certification, and more importantly, your skills, current.